valedictorian

noun

val·​e·​dic·​to·​ri·​an ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce valedictorian (audio)
: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Class of 2026 valedictorians were Natalie Chen, Matilda Meyer and Jonah Osuch, while Dylan Talarico-Smith was named salutatorian. Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026 For some, the news of becoming their school’s valedictorian came as a surprise. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 How will the multiple valedictorians be recognized at graduation? Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 May 2026 Spelman College has seven valedictorians for the first time in the school's history. Leondra Head, CBS News, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for valedictorian

Word History

Etymology

valedictor(y) + -ian

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valedictorian was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

valedictorian

noun
vale·​dic·​to·​ri·​an
ˌval-ə-ˌdik-ˈtōr-ē-ən
-ˈtȯr-
: the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

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